David Giuliano (The Right Rev.), The United Church of Canada

«Your government is seen by many as an example to many other governments that do not respect nature or the well-being of people. Your government is also a sign of hope for those of us who are fighting for a socially just and environmentally sustainable world.

The credibility of your government, however, is now at stake as a result of this action against one of the most respected civil society organizations of your country, Acción Ecológica.»

Sent by fax/mail:

March 12, 2009

President of the Republic of Ecuador,
Econ. Rafael Correa,
Presidente Constitucional de La Repύblica del Ecuador,
Palacio de Carondelet,
Garcia Moreno 1043

Quito, ECUADOR

Dear President Correa,

On behalf of The United Church of Canada, I would like to express you my dismay about the decision taken by your administration to close down Acción Ecológica by withdrawing its legal capacity (personería jurídica). Many people around the world have applauded the recognition of the rights of nature and the right to “well-being” (buen vivir) of people in the new Ecuadorian Constitution that was promoted and approved during your mandate as President.

Acción Ecológica is a partner of a coalition of Canadian churches known as KAIROS, of which The United Church of Canada is a member. We are witnesses to the work of Acción Ecológica. Ecuador has every reason to be proud of the exemplary role carried out by Acción Ecológica in defence of people and nature. In 20 years of work it has earned a global reputation for its defence of the people and nature in Ecuador. Those who know the organization express admiration for its courage, intelligence and commitment to protecting the country’s social and ecological wealth against the economic interests of corporations eager to exploit them in a socially unjust and environmentally unsustainable manner.

For many years, Acción Ecológica has been protecting Ecuador’s s natural resources and peoples against industrial logging, commercial shrimp farming, oil exploration and extraction, monoculture tree plantations, biopiracy, water privatization and other threats. This activity is clearly in line with the new Ecuadorian Constitution. Even more so: it is an obligation for any person, organization and institution in Ecuador.

I therefore find that this decision taken by your administration is in contradiction with the aims stated in the new Constitution and can only think that it is a mistake.

Your government is seen by many as an example to many other governments that do not respect nature or the well-being of people. Your government is also a sign of hope for those of us who are fighting for a socially just and environmentally sustainable world.

The credibility of your government, however, is now at stake as a result of this action against one of the most respected civil society organizations of your country, Acción Ecológica.

I therefore trust that you will intervene on this issue and restore Acción Ecológica’s legal capacity so that it can continue doing what they do best: protecting the rights of people and nature.

Yours sincerely,

David Giuliano (The Right Rev.)

Moderator

The United Church of CanadaDG:sf